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I know I’m not the only person who finds it difficult to keep up with all the reading that’s required in my publishing life, while taking the time to focus on entertaining “reads.” Between queries, book proposals, emails, requested manuscripts, and staggering piles of books elaborately & artistically placed between various rooms, I always hope I’ll “catch up.” Several years ago, long before my many administrative duties to the agency, networking sites, Twitter, emails, and meetings took over a large hunk of my weekly schedule – I could easily get through a book a day–this is in regard to pleasure reading.

Nowadays I find that while I am still quite the avid reader, I’ve also fallen behind on my pleasure reading time. I know it’s life, my responsiblities, and the fact that sometimes one needs to be in the “mood” to read particular book categories.

On MPR (Minnesota Public Radio), David Ulin was interviewed this morning. The interview being initiated due to a recent editorial of his titled “The Lost Art of Reading.”

After realizing I wasn’t alone in this feeling, and that many others are feeling the same way, it resulted in a new inspiration. A goal more than anything else. A goal to simplify this crazy, hectic schedule of mine. A goal to get back into the pattern of intensiving focusing on my pleasure reading again. Not only will my agency benefit, but it affect my general happiness as a reader and lover of all things called books.

Taking a break from the rat race, getting back into that book nostalgia, and turning on one’s imagination = a good thing.

I’d love to hear what others think. Drop me a note, or even leave a comment.

David Ulin, “The Lost Art of Reading”

Any agent (or editor) has a list in the back of her/his head, which consists of projects we’d love to work on. Ultimately the most information one can give the general public is our representative categories,  keeping our fingers crossed those “pie-in-the-sky” projects will eventually cross the desk.

I’ve always operated by the belief that it is not my job to tell writers what to write. As an agent, I can give guidance on the quality of the project, a clear set of goals to work on, and determine if the project is a good fit for the agency. Much like the art galleries not telling artists what to paint, I always strive to keep this same standard at the agency.

Hence, it’s always greatly appreciated when a query letter truly shows the person did his/her research on Red Sofa Literary.   Whether or not I accept the proposed project, there’s a strong chance it possesses some qualities of the “pie-in-the-sky” ideas I never publicly talk about.   

Recently a person queried me about a book on an extreme sport, one that I personally love.  Little did that person know for the last two years I have wanted a book for this category.  Even reading the letter from this individual, it was very noticeable he did his research on the agency, as well as my own personal involvement in the sport.    I immediately requested the book proposal, and look forward to reading it in the very near future.

Every author should have this same goal.  Truly research the agents you are interested in querying.  Do not mass mail every agent in the country your project.  Instead find some similarities and shared interests in the agency(s) you desire to work with.  Take the time to write a high-quality query, making sure to add that touch of familiarity to the tone of the letter(s).   Figure out the agent’s interests, and match them to your book idea.  You’ll be surprised how much we appreciate that extra work, and are more likely to consider the project.

Every city should have one of these. Even if graphic novels aren’t “your thing,” there is a large, talent pool of writers and illustrators that frequent festivals of this sort. They are smart, creative, and innovative, and part of one of the fastest growing book genres since the mid-90s.

By night they are comic book and graphic novel artists; by day, you will easily meet them in almost any profession. Since this is originally a grassroots, DIY approach to publishing – it’s no surprise that many of them take on the printing and distribution themselves, as their talents have not been discovered by the major book publishers YET.

In the end, I ended up purchasing a few zines myself, some fun swag, and walked away knowing I’ll be back in 2010. www.zinefest.org

Many writers have heard this term— it is always a goal every writer should desire to achieve. 

There is no simple definition of “platform.”   There are many definitive paths to increase one’s “platform,” without the necessary black & white description to match.

Here is what I tell my own writers, platform in publishing = WHO knows what you’re writing  AND who will buy your book.    The more the general public knows about you (and your writing), the larger the platform. 

There are many methods by which to accomplish this:

1. Network, network,  network.  – Attend writing conferences, join writers groups, blog, join organizations that will promote and benefit from your writing, and more.   Become a publicly known expert in your area, as this is what publishers and agents need to know (and like).

2. Periodical & Print Publications – Magazines, journals, newspapers.  This takes time, but is well-worth the effort.  Try to work your writing into nationally-recognized publications, as readership #s will increase dramatically.

3. Online Presence – While I’m not the biggest fan of basing someone’s popularity on his/her ranking in Google Search, please know that is how some editors may judge a writer’s platform.  The best way to increase one’s online presence happens through online networks  & groups, social websites, an official blog, forums, and more.  Keep track of your numbers, what your readers/followers are saying, and attempt to piggyback on every “success” in this area.   Over time those Google searches will be a benefit vs. a potential challenge. 

4. Improve your art.  – This art is your writing, one’s ability to reach readers.  Ensure that you have  a 2nd (or 3rd ) set of eyes critiquing your writing.  Please honestly consider others’ input.  It’s worth noting most editors and agents will only consider an idea ONE time.  The better the writing, the more likely we are to consider it, the less likely your idea will be on the rejection pile.

There’s more I can say here, but for the moment this is a good start.  I wish every writer much success in regard to “platform,” as the payback is very satisfying for one’s writing career and confidence as an author.

Red Sofa Literary

 

February 2012
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Poll – Red Sofa Literary is curious about your Social Media experiences

What has been your Social Media experience as a writer? We'd love to see what your personal experiences have been.

THE POLL

Thanks!

-Dawn & Jennie

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